Oakland County FC 2022 season in review

Composed by Jonathan Szczepaniak | Royal Oak Review

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ROYAL OAK — Oakland County FC’s return to Royal Oak for its 2022 campaign was nothing short of successful.

The team showcased improvements with a Milk Cup championship, revitalized fan experiences and increased fan interest.

“It’s definitely our most successful season so far just based on the ambiance of the field, and the concourse is amazing,” Oakland County FC part-owner Nick Morana said. “I think we’ve had the most fans of every year, and I think we keep growing.”

While ending its season with a 4-2 loss to Kalamazoo FC at Royal Oak High School July 15, the live music, bounce houses, face painting, and fan interaction displayed Oakland County FC’s attempt to solidify a home in Royal Oak.

Taking a step off the field, Oakland County FC established a family-friendly environment that was suitable for all ages.

The children were drawn to the bounce houses, the face paint, the miniature soccer field, and the halftime attempts to score a goal, and it’s paying off for the parents.

“We love it and our kids love it,” Jon Ellert, of Farmington, said. “We come here because our kids play soccer and they like seeing professionals play the game.”

For the adults, Oakland County FC made it a point to promote an enjoyable pregame and postgame atmosphere.

Oakland County FC held pre-match events at Zeoli’s Modern Italian in downtown Clawson, and capped off each night with a postgame gathering at the Lucky Duck in Clawson. The team provided special discounts at each restaurant for participating fans.

“The Lucky Duck, we’ll get 25 to 30 people that come out there,” Morana said.

It was a roller coaster season for Oakland County FC on the field.

In its return to Royal Oak High School after spending five years in Clawson, Oakland County FC faced early struggles as it started the season 0-3.

The team earned a quick turnaround and rallied to win the Milk Cup championship competition toward the end of the season. Oakland County FC finished its season 6-7-1.

“Anytime you can win something and see it physically, that trophy represents a lot of hard work and definitely puts a good cap on the season,” Oakland County FC forward Dade DiMaggio said.

In his first season with Oakland County FC, DiMaggio, 34, was the oldest player on the Oakland County FC roster.

DiMaggio’s children were a part of the Oakland County FC family, as his son was the ball boy for two games this year.

“For me to have this every week to come and see me play and the team, it’s been tremendous,” DiMaggio said.

While it’s unclear what the roster will look like heading into the 2023 season, Oakland County FC has found its niche in Royal Oak.

“To have something like this in Oakland County is great for not only the players and the coaching staff, but also the fans,” DiMaggio said.